L.H. Medical Corporation, a medical device manufacturer, announced today it will expand its production operations here, creating up to 65 new jobs by 2013.
L.H. Medical Corporation, established in 2007, will invest $5.4 million to expand its manufacturing footprint from a 17,000 square-foot facility to a more than 60,000 square-foot building located at 6932 Gettysburg Pike in Fort Wayne. With the additional production space the company's existing workforce of 65 employees is expected to double over the next few years.
"Even in a weak national economy, new growth is continuing in Indiana. Our state's orthopedics industry is the best in the world and a good example of a recession-resistant business cluster that wins globally even in sluggish economic times," said Mitch Roob, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
A division of L.H. Industries, which was established as a tool and die shop in 1966, L.H. Medical specializes in custom medical device components for the orthopedic industry.
"Increase in business from new accounts and new product launches have called for the need for additional space, equipment and employees," said Bruce Emerick, president and chief executive officer of L.H. Industries. "Expanding in Allen County allows us to fulfill all of these requirements and gives us the opportunity to pursue continued growth."
In addition to L.H. Medical, L.H. Industries has multiple divisions including L.H. Carbide, L.H. Controls and L.H. Stamping which collectively employ 235 workers across multiple Indiana sites. L.H. Medical will begin hiring precision manufacturing associates and engineers early next year once the move to the new facility is complete.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered L.H. Medical Corporation up to $550,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $60,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Allen County will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance
"L.H. Medical's expansion in Allen County is the successful result of our community coming together during tough economic times," said Commissioner Nelson Peters. "Sixty-five new high-paying jobs will soon be available to our area and resources will be provided to give the company an opportunity to build upon the already strong workforce found in Northeast Indiana."
L.H. Medical Corporation's expansion news comes just more than a month after structural steel distributor, Triad Metals International announced plans to locate its newest and first distribution facility in the Midwest in nearby Columbia City, adding $10 million in investment and up to 35 new jobs by 2013.
About L.H. Medical
For more than four decades LH Industries has built its business and reputation on a clear understanding of our client's needs and expectations. LH Medical continually seeks new production methods and new procedures that streamline operations and new technologies that drive down waste and drive up quality and speed to market.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Mitch Roob serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.